Phoenix have had a tough second round that has seen them plumett down the table but has also seen seem achieve some surprising results. Their inconsistency has been their achilles heel and Alberto Ferri is back on the bench. Phoenix played their game in hand as recently as last Wednesday and battled hard for a point against Mons Calpe, though they finished the game with 9 men with former United player Ashley Rodriguez one of those seeing red. That said Phoenix are a tough side to break down and came back from a 2-0 defecit in our game earlier the season.

United come into the game in good form following two good victories in the Rock Cup and the league against Glacis United last time out. All Internationals are back in the fold and the players have worked hard in training knowing the stakes are very high. Baio starts a two match suspension but other than that all other players remain available to Manolo for the match. A rather unsual midday kick off on Easter Monday.

International football returned to the Victoria Stadium over the past week. Local supporters welcomed the return of these games to the Rock after enduring the long round trips to Faro and responded in force. The Under 21 side faced two tough tests in competitive matches in the Under 21 Euro Qualifiers campaign against Serbia U21 and Russia U21 while the Senior team squared off against Latvia in a friendly game.

The inclement weather was not kind to the Under 21s in their fixture against Serbia on Friday evening. With the wind and rain lashing down on the pitch the Under 21 lads faced a side of immense quality, indeed former Under 20 World Cup winners in 2015. They went down 6 – 0 but gave a good account of themselves in the first half. Erin Barnett played the full 90 minutes leading the defence and used his experience, a particular highlight was a last ditch clearance off the line.

The senior side, however fared a lot better and gave the massed spectators gathered at the Stadium something to cheer as a deflected Liam Walker free kick went into the net in the 88th minute of the game to give Gibraltar a 1-0 win. Gibraltar, in all fairness, played very well throughout the game and went toe to toe with our opponents for the most of the game. Chino made his long awaited debut and responded with a man of the match performance to which the crowd responded too with rapturous applause. Jamie Bosio also got a run out during the second half and he put himself about in his usual strong and effective manner. We hope that this result augurs well for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games in September.

The U21s faced a tough physical challenge in Russia U21s in the last International on Tuesday evening. The weather was perfect and so was Gibraltar’s first 40 minutes. Annesley and Olivero joined the line up a mere 48 hours since their game with the full squad. Indeed Gibraltar had the first chance on goal and they matched Russia pound for pound. A lapse in concentration let Russia in for their first and they quickly followed with a quick fire second minutes before half time. Gibraltar were to reap the bill of the physical effort of the first 45 in the second half and as energies dropped Russia imposed their physical superiority to finish the game off 5-0 in their favour. Michael Negrette got 15 minutes on the pitch but mention must go to all the u21s as they gave it their all and the exhausted faces at full time told the story of the pitched battle they were in.

A mixed bag of results but the important thing is that the national teams were back at the Victoria Stadium and it is hoped that works begin apace at the Stadium to make sure that the football going public can enjoy more games at Home!

A very wet and windy Round 16 that started with a 0 – 0 draw between Mons and St Joseph’s. A result that was not really a useful one for either team but one which Gibraltar United capitalised on in their demolition of Glacis United on Thursday. Lincoln and Europa won their respective games though Europa surprisingly dropped 3 points against Lions FC (a rearranged Round 11 fixture). There was a controversial late equaliser in theMan 62 vs Phoenix games which saw the latter gain a valubale point in the 8th minute of added time.

Football now takes an enforced break due to the Internationals being played by the Senior and Under 21 sides. The league returns with Round 17 on the 31st March. Lincoln face Mons Calpe while Europa continue their games against the teams at the lower echelon of the league by meeting Man 62. Lynx face a tough ask in St Joseph’s while Glacis and Lions will seek the win to close the gap to 5th placed Mons. United close the round with a crucial game against Gib Phoenix in a midday kick off on Easter Monday.

Last night’s match was a landmark occasion for our Keeper and Skipper Chino as he was making his 100th appearance for the Club. For the last 4 seasons Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin has been an example of dedication, determination and sacrifice for the Club he loves. He is both an example to his teammates and someone our youth players should look up to. He has probably missed 2-4 training sessions in four seasons which shows his desire to improve, his commitment and love for this game. Congratulations Captain on your 100 appearances for Gibraltar United.

Chino has seen a lot of change during his years at the Club and we asked him about it after last night’s action. He had this to say.

‘I signed signed for the club in 2014 as I believed in the ambitious project they had planned and it worked for 3 seasons, winning the second division title in our first season and then keeping ourselves in the Premier Division for the following two seasons with only local players. However as we all know the league is getting tougher each season! This season I welcomed the change in philosophy from the club and with the help of a well experienced group of investors, with the likes of Michel Salgado and Mr Pablo Dana we have been able to sign some very good foreign and local players. The transition has been smooth and in all honesty I believe we are doing very well considering we have a lot of new players.’

We also asked how it felt to become a Centurion for the Club and it was clear that he was gushing with pride at this achievement, ‘it feels fantastic honestly and I would like to thank everyone at the club for the beautiful presentation. It was a great moment for myself and my family.’

Asked about the next 100 games he reacted quite tongue in cheek by saying he would love to be Gibraltar’s Buffon adding, ‘I plan on playing for as long as possible and thanks to the support of my wife and family I believe I can reach another milestone!’

His thoughts now turned to the present as we pressed him his thoughts on this season as well as the International game versus Latvia coming up next week, ‘like I mentioned before I have really enjoyed this season as we have a very competitive squad and a great bunch of lads not only on the pitch but off it. By all means it’s not over and we will fight hard to achieve our objectives but we must not forget it’s almost a completely new squad and in my opinion we are doing very well! We have a great technical team who leads this great group of players and are getting the best out of all of us.’

‘As for the forthcoming internationals I would like to add that it feels amazing to be in the squad especially as international games are finally back home where we can have the full support from our home crowd. It is going to be an unbelievable experience. I would also like to that all the GFA fans who made the long trips to Faro to support us. A wholehearted thank you’. His passion clear for all to see.

We finally asked Chino about what sticks in his mind about these topsy turvy 100 appearances for Gibraltar United and he was quite philosophical about it, ‘yesterday has to be up there amongst my best memories with the club. Unbelievable day, firstly getting called up for the national squad then my 100th appearance for the club and sealing the day with a magnificent performance. Another day that stands out for me is winning the second division tittle first time of asking’.

Leo Pereyra on for Daniel Ponce de Leon
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Michael Negrette
Javier Cantelmi on for Ayman Elghobashy

Manolo keeps faith with the bulk of the team that qualified for the semi-finals of the Rock Cup on Sunday. The only absentee is Yalany Baio as Ponce de Leon makes his return after being rested against O13. With St Joseph’s dropping points against Mons Calpe on Wednesday evening, it is imperative for United to defeat Glacis United to catch up with St Joseph’s.

A game of two very distinct halves that saw a sublime United in the first 45 and a much more jaded version of itself in the second. Glacis United started the stronger and sharper of the teams and for the first 5 minutes or so were dominant in possession and in territory. It was not to last long as Marco and Dani began to take control of the ball and the game. The latter in particular, gave former United defender Ashley Perez a torrid time.

As United’s domination of the ball began to tell the first chances began to fall. First it was Bosio with a curled, placed shot that brought an excellent save from Gonzalez in the Glacis goal. Then it was Ponce de Leon who put a direct free kick just shy of the post. Bosio shot a header wide soon after as the siege on the Glacis goal became more and more evident.

The breakthrough came from Elghobashy. Full of confidence after having rediscovered his goal scoring touch against Olympique in the cup, he capitalised on a defensive mistake, forced upon Glacis by the gegenpress Gibraltar United were exerting, and reacted the quickest to pounce on the ball and score his first league goal since November. His second goal, however, was something special. It epitomised every aspect of Ayman as a footballer. First his effort to harass the defenders out of possession. Then his strength to keep the defenders off him. Thirdly, his pace to give himself that bit of space and finally, power as he bulleted a shot past Gonzalez and into the goal. Quality in all phases of play. United were coasting at this point.

Dani’s next play further helped to increase United’s lead. Using his pace and skill he left Perez far behind him as he won the by line and drilled in a bullet cross which was thrust into the net by an onrushing Aguiar to put United 3 – 0 up 35 minutes into the game. Glacis looked incapable of response as the confidence in United’s players was palpable. Ayman put us 4 – 0 up 5 minutes later. Once again he unleashed a powerful shot that cannoned off the upright and out; unfortunately for Glacis the ball then hit the keeper on the back and went into the net. As Mr Borg called time United were justifiably ahead as Chino had had little to do in the first 45.

The second half, however, was to be won by the Clarets and Blues as United took the foot off the pedal. Credit to Glacis United that tried very hard from the kick off to come back into the match. They won the midfield battle so woefully lost in the first half to gain control of the ball. An under employed Chino was then made to work a number of times in this his 100th appearance for the Club; a fantastic save from Amado the pick of his interventions. Glacis would earn a consolation goal via a Jimenez header, Chino’s outstretched hand touched the ball but could not stop it from going in, and it was justly deserved. Glacis almost conceded a comical own goal as a back pass almost crept into the net and one which the keeper only barely clawed out. Things did get a bit heated as Glacis’ frustrations resulted in a number of bookings and a double yellow for Tyson Ruiz. Sidi also appeared to have suffered a painful arm injury as well following a fall.

Ultimately the first half performance was enough to gain us an invaluable three points that brings us level with St Joseph’s who remain third courtesy of a solitary goal. With football now taking a two week hiatus for the Internationals we look forward to our next game against Gibraltar Phoenix on the 2nd April.

United will no doubt be seeking some measure of revenge after losing 2 – 0 to Glacis way back in November in an ill tempered match which say Ayman Elghobashy getting sent off for a head butt. Since then the fortunes of both clubs have moved in opposite directions. United came back strongly after the winter break and are vying with St Joseph’s for third place while Glacis United had a very rocky return after the restart.

Both teams, however, come into the game on the back of scoring 6 in their last matches. Glacis played out the match of the season so far against Man 62 beating them 6 – 4 while United sealed their passage to the Semi Finals of the Rock Cup by seeing off F.C. Olympique 13 6 – 0 on Sunday. United know that every point between now and the end of the season is crucial and with St Jospeh’s 2 points ahead this is another crucial game.

Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Ayman Elghobashy
Cecil Prescott on for Yalany Baio
Tito De Torres on for Carlos Carrasco

Manolo only makes one change from the side that face Lincoln last Wednesday. Jamie Bosio comes straight back into the side after serving a one match ban and Ponce de Leon drops to the bench. Elsewhere its as we were. A win takes us to the semi finals and the match promises to be an entertaining one.

It was a case of new meets old as former players Bothen, Rumbo, Montovio and Bosio lined up against United. United fielded a strong team from the off giving this Rock Cup Quarter Final the respect it deserved. O13 are flying high in the Second Division and depsite the absnece of Jordan Perez, they fielded a strong team too that was well entrenched and ready to give United a tough ask.

It was clear from the off that O13 were going to defend and give United both the ball and the space in which to use it while they packed 10 men behind the ball. With youngster Danino in goal, debutising for the absent Perez, the purple walls that O13 put around their area were meant keep him safe. His first action was a good one though. Marco cannoned a ball off the inside of the post which rebounded back out into the area. Danino was quickest to react and gathered up the ball cleanly. United had however gone close twice via a Meireles shot just wide and near miss from a Bosio header.

It was to be young revelation of the year so far, Micheal Negrette, who would open the scoring minutes later. Danino hesitated to come for a ball that Elghobashy was aiming for and in the resulting confusion Negrette was first to it and was able to prod it goalwards to give the Premier side the lead. His second goal was somewhat more spectacular as he drilled the ball into the top right corner, right by the stanchion. Keeper no chance and United riding high.

Olympique were to soon lose defender Scott Ritchie to injury and as the half drew to a close Kaylan Rumbo was also assissted off the pitch after an inopportune clash with Farinha. The rest of the first half was a turgid affair though with an air of complacency coming into United’s game and many unforced errors creeping in. As Mr Borg blew for half time United were in cruise control.

The second 45 was a totally different ball game. Eager to put the tie to bed, United went for the jugular. A quick fire brace by Elghobashy saw the striker rekindle his love affair with the net; his second effort was a sublime finish following a delightful through ball from Baio. His goal was his last touch as Manolo brought Pipo on for him. Prescott and De Torres soon followed and the half belonged to them.

First it was De Torres that curled in a simply fantastic finish to make the game 5-0. A wonderful effort with his left foot that curled beyond the diving Danino and leaving him with no chance; what a way to claim a debut goal. This effort had come on the back of O13’s only real chance of the game when Lincoln loanee Kyle Casciaro rattled Chino’s crossbar with a well taken free kick. As the energy levels of the men in purple sank more and more spaces were opening up.

It is in spaces like these that our little Portugese magician, Pipo comes into life. He had gone close twice but his third effort was a sublime piece of magic. He sat a defender on the ground with a twist and a shuffle and from the byline, with practically no angle whatsoever, he lofted the ball over Danino. A sure goal…only that it hit the woodwork and bounced out into the area where Cecil Prescott finished it off to claim his first goal for the club.

As United further imposed their authority on the match Olympique had a very strong penalty shout waved away by Mr Borg as Casciaro was bundled over in the area. As the wind and rain continued to pelt down the game ebbed away to its natural conclusion. United in the semi finals of the Rock Cup. Attention now turns back to the Premier Division and Glacis United on Thursday evening.

The game of the round was no doubt played on Saturday evening when Glacis and Man 62 treated everyone to the most crazy of spectacles. Glacis were 3 – 0 in the first 20 minutes only to be pegged back to 3 – 3. The Clarets and Blues eventually run out 6 – 4 winners. Lolo Soler produced a man of the match disply to keep his team top of the league with a 4 – 0 win over United. Europa remain second at the expense of St Joseph’s. Lynx F.C. continued their revival by beating Phoenix as the latter are gradually being dragged to the bottom echelons of the league. Mons Calpe came back from last week’s defeat by beating Lions F.C. quite comfortably.

Gibraltar United will hope to bounce back against Glacis United on Thursday evening while United’s closest rivals have a tough ask against Mons Calpe. Europa and Lynx face each other on Saturday evening while Man 62 will seek to profit from a faltering Phoenix side. Lincoln and Lions close Round 15. Incidentally Europa and Lions play on Tuesday evening, a rearranged Round 11 fixture that was orginally cancelled due to the dealys during the pitch resurfacing due to the inclement weather at the end of January.

United hold fond memories of the last official encounter against Olympique as we were crowned Division 2 champions and won promotion in that match in 2015. Much has changed for both clubs since. FCO13 were taken over in the summer by Nigierian businessman Sunday Adeleye. They filled their squad with decent local players and are riding high in the Second Division. Former United players Robert Montovio, Kaylan Rumbo, Alan Parker, Duane Robba. Max Bothen and Jamie Bosio all ply their trade with Olympique so the match holds a certain amount of interest.

United come into the game with a full bill of health, other than Roman, and every single player is available for selection following Bosio’s return after missing out against Lincoln due to 5 yellows. Will United surge through to the semi-finals or will there be a cup upset on the cards? Kick off 19:00 Sunday 11th March.